Motion-Activated, Upward-Directed Soap Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A motion-activated soap dispenser is provided having a vertically directed motion detector and a vertically oriented dispensing stream of hand cleaning solution. The device comprises a counter or wall mounted housing having a reservoir of hand soap or hand sanitizer that is ejected in short bursts in an upward direction and onto a user&#39;s palm placed over a top-mounted motion sensor. The reservoir is a refillable liquid container that is pumped for its contents, or alternatively the reservoir is a replaceable cartridge of compressed hand cleaning solution that utilizes internal pressure to eject the contents therefrom. The solution is routed through a conduit and into a nozzled aperture along the upper portion of the housing, whereby the solution is dispensed in liquid or foam consistency. An electric motor and timer circuit controls the burst of dispensed fluid from the reservoir, upon activation by the motion detector change in state.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/621,311 filed on Apr. 6, 2012, entitled “Soap Up.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an automatic, hands-free soap dispenser. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and unique soap dispenser that activates a vertical burst of liquid or foam hand soap or hand sanitizer onto a user's hand when placed over the device, wherein a motion sensor detects movement and initiates the soap dispensation.

Most modern soap dispensers include a convenient means of dispensing a quantity of liquid soap onto a user's hands when washing the same. In commercial establishments and public restrooms, most individuals prefer touch-less or motion-activated dispensers, which are activated by a change in state or upon detecting motion in a given sensor viewing area. This allows patrons to access public restrooms and wash their hands afterwards without touching any surfaces that are potentially unsanitary. In most restrooms, one can apply soap and clean their hands without having to touch anything in the process, maintaining sanitary hands and reducing the spread of germs and diseases.

Most motion-activated soap dispensers provide a quantity of liquid or foam soap from beneath the dispenser structure, whereby a reservoir of soap is accessed by way of an electric motor or valve activated by a motion sensor monitoring an area below the dispenser. The process is assisted by gravity and the soap is dispensed for a predetermined period of time. While this type of dispenser is well known in the art, accessing the soap from these devices requires users to place their hands beneath or within the assembly in order to catch the soap falling from the dispenser.

This requires users to rotate their wrists in order to receive the soap in the palm of one hand, which should be facing upward while the soap is dispensed downward onto the user's palm. The resulting supination of the wrist can cause strains in the wrist and arm, particularly for those with preexisting injuries or those with arthritis pain. The use of these dispenser types may also not be the most efficient means of collecting soap from a dispenser, as the user is required not only to move his or her hand towards the machine, but also rotate the wrist in order to receive the soap. A more effective means of communicating soap from the dispenser is desired, one that does not require multiple hand movements and one that does not require the user to place their hands into or under a dispenser structure.

The present invention provides a new and novel electric soap dispenser that projects soap or hand sanitizer in an upward direction from a counter-mounted or wall-mounted unit. The user places his hand over the device, which activates a quick burst of liquid or foam from the device reservoir and onto the user's hand. The dispensed contents stick to the user's palm, whereafter the user can lather and wash his hands with the soap at the adjacent sink without having to have touched the device or rotate his wrist in the process. The device utilizes a pressurized canister or an energized pump to vertically dispense the fluid contents upon activation by a motion detector. Overall, the device provides a new and unique means of dispensing soap without contacting any restroom surfaces, whereby a user merely moves his hand over the device to withdraw a quantity of soap when washing his hands.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to automatic soap dispensers. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to soap dispensers that require users to place their hand below the dispenser and collect a downward-directed spray of soap. The present invention pertains to an upward-directed soap dispenser that does not require a user to place his or her hand within or under an assembly. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,445 to Yang discloses an electric soap dispenser that detects the presence of an object and is configured to dispense a quantity of liquid soap upon detection of the object (i.e. a user's hand). The device comprises a housing, a battery, a soap reservoir, a pump, an electric motor, a soap discharge nozzle, a trigger sensor, and an electronic control unit for electrically dispensing a quantity of soap onto a user's hand from above his or her hand. While disclosing several embodiments that dispense soap using an electric sensor and upon detection of an object, the Yang device fails to disclose the novel aspects of the present, upwardly-directed soap dispenser.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0095051 to Liao discloses an automatic foam soap dispenser having a housing for downwardly dispensing soap therefrom. Within the housing is a soap reservoir, a foam nozzle, a control circuit, electrical power, and an electric motor for directing soap from the reservoir and through the foam nozzle when a user's hand is placed in the field of view of a motion sensor. The motor drives a swinging press board to press the soap reservoir contents, which causes the liquid soap to exit the foam nozzle and dispense onto a user's outstretched hand. Similar to the Yang device, the Liao device fails to disclose an upwardly projecting soap dispenser and elements therefor.

Other similar devices related to soap dispensers include U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0026460 to Patel and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0000941 to Hadden. The Patel device discloses a liquid soap dispenser that incorporates a pressurized air freshener canister, whereby the air freshener is released into the atmosphere when the liquid soap is dispensed from the soap dispensing pump. The Hadden device discloses an attachable cap that adds a motion sensor to an existing soap reservoir. Both Hadden and Patel devices relate to soap dispensers and provide various functions related thereto; however no device is disclosed having an upward directed dispenser, whereby a soap or hand sanitizing solution is projected upwards onto a user's hand.

The present invention provides an automatic and electrically-driven soap dispenser device that deploys soap from a reservoir in an upward manner, whereby a user places his hand over the device and receives a quantity of soap or hand sanitizer thereon for use in hand washing operations. The device utilizes a reservoir of fluid, an electric motor, and either a pressurized canister of fluid or a fluid pump means to discharge the fluid from the reservoir and in an upward direction upon detection of a user's hand within the field of view of a motion sensor. It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing restroom soap dispenser devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of soap dispenser devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new automatic soap dispenser that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when receiving a quantity of soap or hand sanitizer fluid on the user's palm when placing the palm above the device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved soap dispenser device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a soap dispenser device that can be wall or counter mounted and provide an upwardly directed stream of hand cleaning solution onto a user's palm when washing or sanitizing one's hands.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a soap dispenser device that includes a reservoir of hand cleaning solution that is refillable or rechargeable using a replenishment cleaning solution or a replacement cartridge of compressed cleaning solution.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a soap dispenser device that is motion activated, whereupon detection of a change of state just above the device activates a short burst of upwardly directed hand cleaning solution.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a soap dispenser device that does not require a user to touch any surface when attempting to retrieve a quantity of cleaning solution, and further does not require the user to supinate his or her wrist in order to cup a quantity of the solution.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a soap dispenser device that facilitates efficiency with regard to retrieving soap from a dispenser and for providing a homeowner or commercial proprietor with an inexpensive and replenishable soap dispensing means that is motion activated.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of the present invention in a working state, directing an upward stream of hand cleaning solution onto a user's palm positioned thereover.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compressed cartridge of cleaning solution is provided and an actuated dispenser releases the compressed contents within the cartridge for a short burst of cleaning solution directed upwardly with respect to the device housing.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a refillable fluid reservoir is provided and a pump mechanism is utilized to draw fluid from the pump upon activation.

FIG. 4 shows another view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the automatic soap dispenser. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for directing a short burst of hand cleaning solution in an upward direction and onto a user's palm when placed over the device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the present invention in a working state, positioned along a restroom countertop 50 and directing an upward stream 22 of cleaning solution onto a user's hand 40 when positioned thereover. The ideal use involves the user simply moving his or her hand 40 over the device 20 such that the motion is captured by the device motion sensor 30, whereafter a short burst 22 of cleaning solution is directed onto the user's palm 41. The solution sticks to the user's palm 41 such that the solution can be transported to the sink basin for hand washing activities or such that the user can bring his or her hands together and spread the cleaning solution over the surfaces of his or her hands (e.g. hand sanitizer solution).

The device comprises a structure that can be wall or counter mounted and operably utilized by restroom users without contacting any of the restroom surfaces to retrieve the cleaning solution. The device preferably comprises a cylindrical housing 20 having upstanding sidewalls 21, a flat base 22 for support by a horizontal support surface 50, and a domed upper portion. The upper portion includes a nozzled aperture through which the cleaning solution is dispensed, along with an upwardly directed motion sensor 30 that can sense a change in state just above the device for activation purposes.

The activation occurs over a short interval to prevent excessive solution from being dispensed, whereby dispensing of an appropriate quantity of solution and further conservation thereof is desired. An appropriate quantity of cleaning solution includes a sufficient amount to clean or sanitize one's hands, while also preventing the quantity of solution from being too great that it will not adhere and remain connected to the user's palm during dispensation. If too much solution is dispensed, it is likely the solution will fall away before user's palm under its own mass, too little will require multiple bursts or inadequate quantities for thorough hand cleaning.

The motion sensor 30 change in state is monitored by a control circuit, which recognizes the signal from the motion sensor 30 and energizes an electric motor within the housing as a timer circuit controls the duration of the motor operation. The dispensing elements of the housing 20 may take on several forms, including an electrically actuated canister of compressed cleaning solution that utilizes canister pressure and a valved release for dispensation, or alternatively a fluid pump that is driven by the electric motor for drawing cleaning solution from a refillable reservoir. The duration of the burst can be controlled based on the type of solution, while further the delay between dispensation and motion detection may be programmed to prevent inadvertent trigger events. These events include undecided users who may move their hand away from the device or only momentarily break the motion sensor detection area but do not desire the solution. This also provides a defense against misuse of the device whereby a user may request a burst of solution and attempt to move their hands away before receiving the solution. A delay will make this more difficult to predict and discourage such misuse.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an internal view within the housing 20, highlighting the first embodiment of the dispensing elements of the present invention. In this embodiment, a replaceable canister 60 of compressed fluid is utilized as both a reservoir of cleaning solution and a means to propel 22 the solution onto a user's palm placed above the housing upper portion 23. The canister 60 may comprise an internal propellant such as aerosol or similar agent, whereby a valve is accessed by a plunger element 62, which momentarily releases the pressurized contents of the canister 60 through a dispensing conduit 61 and through a nozzle within an aperture 24 along the domed upper portion 23 of the housing.

The plunger 62 is activated along a reciprocating linear path by way of a drive mechanism, which comprises an electric motor 66, a drivetrain of gears 64, 65, and a drive arm 63 that controls the reciprocal motion of the plunger 62 that opens the canister 60 valve and releases the pressurized contents therefrom. This action occurs over a very short interval to create a short burst 22 of fluid from the device, whereby waste is minimized and the entire operation occurs over a short time to remain efficient for the user. Control of the electric motor 66 is executed by a control circuit 67 that sends and receives signals from the electrical components of the device. Signals from the motion sensor 30 are received by the control circuit 67, which in turn interprets the signal and energizes the electric motor 66 if a valid change in state is interpreted. Power is delivered by way of an internal battery power supply or incoming alternating current power that is transformed to direct current power. Finally, a timer circuit or embedded programing within the control circuit microprocessor determines the interval over which the motor 66 is energized. This time interval determines the duration of dispensation and thus the quantity of dispensed cleaning solution onto the user's palm.

In FIGS. 2 through 4, the housing 20 is shown having a defined shape and design. The device comprises a generally cylindrical shape having upstanding sidewalls 21 and a flat base surface 22, while the upper portion 22 of the housing is domed. The dispensing nozzle is placed within an aperture 24 along the domed upper portion for directing the burst of cleaning solution upwards towards a user's palm. This structure, however, may take on several designs. It is not desired to limit the present device to one specific housing design. Rather it is desired to show a functional embodiment that has been shown and tested to be reliable for the purposes of housing the dispensing elements of the present invention, whereby the reservoir of cleaning solution is replaceable and the electrical components are sufficiently shrouded to prevent exposure to the cleaning solution or exterior moisture from the restroom environment.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown two views of the second embodiment of the housing 20 dispensing means. In this embodiment, liquid hand cleaning solution is retained within a refillable reservoir 80 and the solution is pumped through a conduit 82 and through the nozzled aperture 24 along the upper portion of the housing 20. Specifically, a piston 70 is driven by the electric motor 66, which is connected thereto by a piston rod 63 that drives the piston 70 within a cylinder 71 in order to pressurize the conduit 82 and pump the contents from an intake 81 within the reservoir and through the upper aperture 24. The piston-cylinder arrangement pressurizes the fluid within the length of the conduit, which then dispensed from the nozzle and onto a user's palm when the motion sensor 39 registers a change in state.

Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment utilizes a control circuit 67, an electric motor 66, a motion sensor 30, and a timer to control a measured quantity of hand cleaning solution from the reservoir 80. The motor 86 can be utilized to drive the piston rod 63 directly, or a drivetrain 64, 65 of gears may be utilized to reduce the gear ratio therebetween. Overall, the device utilizes mechanical work to induce a pressurized system for dispensation, while the first embodiment utilizes a canister of compressed fluid and a release thereof as a means to communicate the cleaning solution onto a user's palm.

Overall, the present invention provides an efficient and readily deployable soap or hand sanitizer dispenser that can be mounted on a counter top or on a wall surface. The device allows a user to quickly retrieve a quantity of cleaning solution without rotating his or her wrist and without touching any restroom surfaces. The means of dispensing is both ergonomic and time efficient, whereby a user can simply slide his or her hand over the device and receive a quick burst of cleaning solution without having to cup a quantity thereof. Ideally the solution is fed through foam nozzle, which transforms the soap or sanitizer into a lighter foam consistency that more readily sticks to a user's hands. However, it has been shown that liquid hand cleaning solution functions just as effectively. It is contemplated that the present invention be deployed in both residential and commercial environments for the purposes of allowing one to rapidly clean one's hands without contacting any surfaces therearound.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A motion-sensing hand cleaning solution dispenser, comprising: a housing having sidewalls, a base, and an upper portion; a motion sensor along said upper portion for monitoring movement above said housing; an aperture through said upper portion for dispensing a pressurized cleaning solution therethrough; a cleaning solution reservoir within said housing for storing said cleaning solution; an electric motor for communicating said cleaning solution from a reservoir, through a conduit, and through said upper portion aperture; a control circuit for energizing said electric motor and receiving signals from said motion sensor; a power source; said cleaning solution dispensing upwardly from said housing upper portion aperture upon said electric motor energizing when a user's hand is placed over said motion sensor. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein: said cleaning solution reservoir further comprises a pressurized cartridge having a valve; said electric motor operably actuating said valve to release said pressurized cleaning solution into said conduit. 3) The device of claim 2, wherein: said electric motor drives a plunger element that opens said cartridge nozzle; said plunger element connected to said electric motor by way of a gear train and a drive arm, wherein said plunger element actuates in a linear path as said electric motor rotates said gear train. 4) The device of claim 2, wherein said pressurized cartridge is removable and replaceable. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein: said electric motor connects to a piston within a cylinder; said piston and cylinder connected to said cleaning solution conduit; said electric motor operably driving said piston within said cylinder to draw said cleaning solution from said reservoir into an intake and pressurizing said solution to communicate said solution through said conduit and through said upper portion aperture. 6) The device of claim 5, wherein said electric motor drives said piston element by way of a piston rod. 7) The device of claim 5, wherein: said electric motor drives said piston element by way of a piston rod; said piston rod connected to said electric motor by way of a gear train, wherein said piston rod actuates in a linear path for said piston as said electric motor rotates said gear train. 8) The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning solution is a liquid soap. 9) The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning solution is a liquid hand sanitizing solution. 10) The device of claim 1, wherein said upper portion aperture further comprises a foam nozzle that transforms said cleaning solution into a foam consistency. 